While personnel have been arriving in Guam in the days prior, Cope North 2025 officially began Feb. 3 and will continue until Feb. 21.
Cope North began in 1978 in Japan. According to Journal files, the exercise moved from Japan to Guam in 1999.
Typically, although this is a training exercise, military personnel have previously been given leave during the event.
Exercise activities will take place at Andersen Air Force Base and in the surrounding airspace.
The exercise was held during similar dates in February 2024. Last year, while the exercise was centered at Northwest Field at Andersen, the A. B. Won Pat International Airport, Guam and Saipan and Tinian were additional locations. Kadena Air Base also participated in Cope North 2024.
About 2,400 personnel and 85 aircraft participated last year.
According to the U.S. Air Force, this year, “The U.S., Australian, and Japanese air forces serve as the trilateral exercise leads, establishing command and control and organizing training for the multinational task force.” Canada, France, Australia and South Korea also participated in 2024. mbj